American Airlines badly needs new leadership! - MD-80 First Officer American Airlines Employee Review

2.0
Jan 24, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Being an airline pilot was once a theoretically great career...there has been a paradigm shift in the political and economic environment that makes it very difficult to feel that way anymore. Things have changed. I am very invested in my career. But somethin has gotta give SOON!

Cons

Numerous - mostly under the category of disrepectful leadership this company is burdened down with. They know all the latest catch phrases. But their behavior speaks much more loudly. There is a total disregard for the employees that is a systemic problem. Naturally this tends to affect the way employees treat customers. Many of us try valiantly to maintain our professionalism. But the leadership team at this airline constantly places barriers in our path. Daily you see evidence over and over of short-sighted cost cutting that has a deleterious effect on the ability of the employees to deliver our product. It is demoralizing to do your best all day long, and to face these unnecessary obstacles to performance. It is demoralizing to get boiler plate answers on why things are the way they are instead of fixes being applied to problems. This airline is often in love with it's processes at expense to the overall results! It is very very frustrating. We CANNOT continue to operate this way! I believe we give very poor customer service. I see it day in and day out. And I am tired of it!

Explore other reviews about American Airlines

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great career worth the process

Cons

Hiring process takes a bit be patient

2.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are some truly wonderful people at American. Many care deeply about aviation and have a calling for what they do. The diversity is outstanding. The industry is endlessly fascinating. You are always learning.

Cons

Sadly, the toxicity of my department after we were reorganized. It turned a job I loved into one I dreaded. And management looked the other way while a steady stream of talent exited through the revolving door. I would have done nearly anything for the company. Politics, pettiness and a "mean girls" culture destroyed morale, and the negative behavior was only rewarded. PTO allowance is cheap, making flight benefits great only on paper for your first 5 years of employment.

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